Ross River Virus - Serology
Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.
Background
This page provides information on the testing available through Public Health Ontario (PHO) for the Ross River virus (RRV).
- The RRV is a mosquito-borne RNA virus that belongs to the Togaviridae family (genus Alphavirus).
- RRV is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito in areas considered endemic, including Australia, and parts of the South Pacific1,2.
Testing for RRV is performed at the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg3,4.
Updates
Effective July 2, 2025, submission of the new Vector-borne and Zoonotic Virus Testing Intake Form is mandatory, along with the General Test Requisition when requesting specific vector-borne or zoonotic virus tests. The new intake form replaces both the Arbovirus (Non-Zika) Testing Intake Form and the Mandatory Intake Form for Zika Virus Testing.
Testing Indications
This is a Referred Out Test. Specimens are sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg. Testing is not performed at PHO.
Testing for RRV is indicated for individuals with:
- Compatible clinical symptoms and
- Appropriate exposures (e.g. travel to or residence in RRV endemic areas or areas with ongoing RRV transmission, mosquito bites, among others)
Individuals that develop RRV disease may present with an acute febrile illness, polyarthritis, fatigue and rash2. Due to the overlap in geographic distribution of the corresponding vectors, infection with other vector-borne pathogens, such as Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, and Zika virus should be considered if suspecting RRV infection.
Serology testing (IgM and IgG) is available via the NML for investigational use only. Test requests with insufficient justification based on the indications above may be cancelled. Testing is not recommended for asymptomatic individuals.
Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Specimens received without the appropriate forms (See: Submission and Collection Notes) are subject to cancellation.
Specimen Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Ross River Virus Serology |
Whole blood or serum |
5.0 ml blood or 1.0 ml serum |
Red top or Serum Separator Tubes (SST) |
Submission and Collection Notes
Label the specimen container(s) with the patient’s first and last name, date of collection, and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. For additional information see: Criteria for Acceptance of Patient Specimens. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Each specimen submitted for testing must be accompanied by a separate PHO General Test Requisition, with all fields completed.
It is MANDATORY to provide the clinical information, relevant travel(s), and relevant exposures for Vector-borne viruses requested on the Vector-borne and Zoonotic Virus Testing Intake Form. Test requests that are submitted without the appropriate mandatory information are subject to cancellation.
Limitations
Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbial contaminated sera or plasma are not recommended for testing.
Storage and Transport
All clinical specimens must be shipped in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act/Regulations.
- For serum separator tubes: centrifuge sample prior to placing in biohazard bag.
- Place each specimen type in an individual biohazard bag and seal. Insert the corresponding requisition in the pocket on the outside of each sealed biohazard bag.
- Clotted blood/serum specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHO on ice packs.
If a delay in transport to PHO is anticipated (more than 72 hours), specimens should be frozen (at -80°C if possible) and shipped on dry ice.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
TAT is up to 14 calendar days upon receipt at National Microbiology Laboratory.
Serology is performed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) to detect IgM and IgG antibodies. This is performed at the NML for investigational use only and has not been validated.
Refer to NML - Guide to Services for further information.
Reporting
Reports are sent back to PHO from NML and are then reported and forwarded to the ordering physician, authorized health care provider (General O. Reg 45/22, s.18) or submitter as indicated on the requisition.
Positive results from patients with encephalitis are also reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024. Ross River Virus. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ross-river-virus/about/index.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024. Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Ross River Virus Disease. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ross-river-virus/hcp/clinical-diagnosis-treatment/index.html
- National Microbiology Laboratory. 2024. Detection of IgM Antibodies Directed Towards Ross River Virus by ELISA. Available from: https://cnphi.canada.ca/gts/reference-diagnostic-test/5262?alphaReturn=pathogenByLetter&alphaChar=R
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